Label: Hear Music Released: November 6, 2007 I reviewed the standard release of Memory Almost Full already, so this review will focus on the additional material: three bonus tracks and a DVD. The bonus tracks are all clearly B-side material. The best of the bunch, “In Private,” is an instrumental that might work as an album track, but certainly doesn’t… Read more »
Label: SideOneDummy Records Released: October 9, 2007 With the popularity of the whole folk-punk thing, whether it draws on American folk music like Defiance, Ohio or European folk like Gogol Bordello, it isn’t surprising to see another band throw their hats into the ring, but it does beg the question, “What does this new band bring?” Dusty Rhodes and the… Read more »
Label: 316 Productions Released: 2007 At their best, Seizure Crypt is a rehash of 80s New York hardcore, wavering between its earlier thin punk and later more metallic veins. Those high points are energetic, aggressive songs with the typical trappings of the genre: unbridled speed alternating with slow churning grooves, metallic riffs, growls, infectious anger. Both “The Deadend” and “Thankless”… Read more »
Label: Volcom Entertainment Released: May 22, 2007 If I were to write that Birds of Avalon mix grandiose prog, upbeat power pop and riffy psych and leave it at that, most people would scratch their heads and just assume that Bazaar Bazaar was an erratic affair that couldn’t possibly find itself. That assumption seems like a good one, but it’s… Read more »
Label: Frog Stand Records Released: September 4, 2007 Clare and the Reasons find their inspiration somewhere between the old pop standards of the 40s and 50s and a vaudeville show, but their music is only partially a revival because they bring their modern selves into the mix. It’s clearly intended to have a retro feel, yet all the years of… Read more »
Label: Daykamp Records Released: December 4, 2007 While hard rock is probably one the easiest genres to play, it is probably one of the hardest at which to succeed. It’s has been played by so many for so long that it’s really hard to be a standout. Sure, the old hard rock regulars will flock to anything that reminds them… Read more »
After writing that Blackmore’s Night review, I had to post something as a reminder that Richie Blackmore wasn’t always pathetic. I guess knowing that he once did some great stuff makes his sad attempt at bring the renaissance to rock even worse. Label: Polydor Released: 1976 Any disappointment that Deep Purple fans must have felt when Richie Blackmore departed in… Read more »
Label: Steamhammer Released: November 6, 2007 At its very best, this DVD hints at Spinal Tap’s “Stonehenge.” Of course, that’s the last thing Blackmore and company were going for, because they actually take this stuff seriously. Sure, he could get away with this kind of fantasy crap when Ronnie James Dio sang with him, but Candice Night is no Dio… Read more »
Label: Alive Natural Sound Records Released: 2006 Formed out of the ashes their previous band, Thee Shams, which was limited to some extent by its love of the Stones, the Gabbard brothers find a much more expansive, heavier sound with Buffalo Killers. They dip generously into the heavy psychedelia of Cream and Hendrix and alternate that with a dose of… Read more »
Bill and Laura of Brooklyn’s The New Dress are a duo playing a punk/folk hybrid that taps the past without leaving the present. Their album, Where Our Failures Are, is one of the best I’ve heard in this burgeoning genre (and it made my Best of 2007 list). If you aren’t familiar with them, check out the review first. RnRnNM:… Read more »